JP7842705B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an endoscope.

Endoscopes used in the medical field generally consist of an insertion section that is inserted into the patient and an operating section connected to the proximal end of the insertion section. The insertion section has a flexible bending section and a tip section connected to the tip of the bending section. The user, a physician, can bend the bending section and point the tip section in the desired direction by operating the operating member provided on the operating section. Then, an imaging unit provided on the tip section can capture images of the object being observed, and the observation images based on the imaging signals can be displayed on a monitor.

Furthermore, endoscopes are used not only for observing the inside of a subject but also for various procedures on the observed area. Specifically, various treatment instruments such as forceps and cutting instruments are inserted through the forceps channel in the insertion section of the endoscope from the forceps port provided in the operating section, and then led out from the forceps exit opening at the tip of the insertion section, thereby performing various procedures such as excision and harvesting of the observed area (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Patent No. 3713286 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-178045

As mentioned above, endoscopes are often very expensive due to their complex mechanisms and numerous components. Therefore, it is common practice to clean, disinfect, and sterilize used endoscopes for reuse. However, endoscopes become contaminated with bodily fluids and other contaminants when inserted into a patient, and are also handled directly by physicians. For this reason, disposable endoscopes are desirable as a measure to prevent infection by pathogens and viruses by minimizing contact between physicians and medical staff with used endoscopes contaminated with bodily fluids and other substances.

However, the imaging unit, which is built into the tip of the endoscope and consists of an image sensor and other components, is expensive, and cost reduction is difficult. Furthermore, a high-performance imaging unit is necessary to obtain high-resolution and high-quality endoscopic images. Therefore, there is a need for an endoscope that can obtain high-quality and high-resolution endoscopic images equivalent to conventional reusable endoscopes by discarding only the imaging unit and other components, while also incorporating infection control measures.

This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a disposable type endoscope in which the imaging unit can be easily reused.

The endoscope of the present invention comprises an insertion section, a tip section body, and an imaging unit, the imaging unit having an image sensor that observes a field of view in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion section . The insertion section is inserted into the body of a subject. The tip section body is positioned at the tip of the insertion section. The imaging unit is housed inside the tip section body in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space and is detachably held.

The tip section body comprises a lens cover that exposes at least a portion of the imaging unit, a holding portion that holds the imaging unit, and a first opening located on the base end side of the holding portion. When the imaging unit held by the holding portion is pulled toward the base end side of the tip section body, it is preferable that the imaging unit passes through the first opening and detaches from the holding portion.

The holding portion has a locking portion for locking the imaging unit, and it is preferable that the imaging unit is allowed to move toward the base end by releasing the locking, and it is even more preferable that the locking portion is a locking claw that locks onto the base end surface of the imaging unit.

The tip body comprises a lens cover that exposes at least a portion of the imaging unit, a second opening that detachably holds the lens cover, and a holding portion that holds the imaging unit. When the lens cover held in the second opening is removed and the imaging unit held in the holding portion is pulled toward the second opening, it is preferable that the imaging unit passes through the second opening and detaches from the holding portion.

The tip section is equipped with a rail section that slides freely into place with the side edge of the lens cover.
When the side edge is fitted into the rail section, it is preferable that the lens cover is positioned to face the imaging unit.

The tip section body is preferably equipped with a retaining member that is detachably connected to the tip section body on a track through which the lens cover slides relative to the rail section, and the retaining member is preferably designed to restrict the lens cover from detaching in the sliding direction.

The insertion section consists of a tip section including a tip section body, a curved section connected to the tip section, and a flexible section connected to the curved section. The tip section body includes a lens cover that exposes at least a part of the imaging unit, a holding section that holds the imaging unit, and an engaging section that detachably engages with the curved section or a fixing member fixed to the curved section. When the engagement between the engaging section and the curved section or the fixing member is released, it is preferable that the imaging unit detaches from the curved section or the fixing member together with the holding section.

It is preferable to include a packing member that maintains airtightness or liquid tightness between the holding portion and the curved portion or fixing member.

The imaging unit has a chamfered portion that slopes from the upper end surface facing the lens cover to the base end surface, or from the upper end surface to the tip surface. The tip body includes an elastic body positioned between the lens cover and the imaging unit. Preferably, the imaging unit is pressed by the elastic force of the elastic body, causing the chamfered portion to contact the tip surface or base end surface of the retaining portion, or the corner of the retaining portion located diagonally opposite the chamfered portion.

The device comprises a relay connector that is coupled to the imaging unit and a cable that is connected to the imaging unit via the relay connector, and it is preferable that the relay connector is located inside the main body of the tip section.

The lens cover is fixed to the tip body, and it is preferable that the tip body has a notch for inserting a tool to release the lens cover at the position where it contacts the lens cover.

The holding portion has a locking portion for locking the imaging unit, and the tip body has a locking release hole communicating with the holding portion. It is preferable to release the lock or remove at least a part of the locking portion by inserting a jig through the locking release hole and pressing the locking portion, and it is even more preferable that the locking portion is a locking claw that locks onto the base end face of the imaging unit.

The imaging unit preferably includes a light source that illuminates the subject with illumination light. It is preferable that at least a portion of the unit, excluding the imaging unit, is disposable.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a disposable type endoscope in which the imaging unit can be easily reused.

This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an endoscope system. This is an external view of the endoscope and treatment instruments. This is a perspective view showing the tip of the endoscope. This is a disassembled perspective view of the tip of an endoscope. This is a plan view of the tip section. This is a disassembled perspective view of the tip section. This is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the endoscope. This is a perspective view illustrating the process of detaching the imaging unit from the tip body. This is a perspective view of a jig used in the process of detaching the imaging unit. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of detaching the imaging unit from the main body of the tip section. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the jig's connecting piece hooked onto the connecting opening of the imaging unit. This is an exploded perspective view of the tip body of the endoscope in the second embodiment. This is a perspective view of the imaging unit in the second embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the tip of the endoscope in the second embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the configuration around the imaging unit in the second embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of removing the lens cover from the tip of the endoscope. This is a perspective view showing a modified example in which the lens cover is detachably held to the main body of the endoscope tip. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a modified example in which the lens cover is detachably held to the tip body of the endoscope. This is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example in which a retaining member is placed in the middle of the rail section. This is a perspective view showing a modified example in which a retaining member is placed in the middle of the rail section. This is a perspective view of the tip body and fixing member in the third embodiment. This is a perspective view of the third embodiment in which the connection between the tip body and the fixing member has been released. This is a perspective view of the tip body in the third embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the tip body in the third embodiment. This is a perspective view of the imaging unit in the third embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of inserting a jig into the main body of the tip section in the third embodiment and releasing the lock of the imaging unit. This is a perspective view showing the configuration around the imaging unit in the third embodiment. This is a perspective view illustrating the process of inserting a jig and releasing the locking of the imaging unit. This is an exploded perspective view of the tip body in the fourth embodiment. This is a perspective view of a part of the tip body in the fourth embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of inserting a jig into a part of the tip body in the fourth embodiment to release the locking of the imaging unit. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified configuration of an endoscope system equipped with a light source device.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in Figure 1, the endoscope system 10 comprises an endoscope 12, a treatment instrument 13, a processor device 15, a display 16, and a UI (User Interface) 17. The endoscope 12 captures images of the object to be observed. The processor device 15 controls the endoscope system 10. The display 16 is a display unit that shows observation images based on the endoscopic images. The UI 17 has a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone, etc., and accepts input operations from the user, which is a physician.

The endoscope 12 is electrically connected to the processor device 15. The endoscope 12 has an insertion section 18 for insertion into the subject and an operating section 19 provided at the base end of the insertion section 18. The insertion section 18 is composed of a flexible section 18a, a bending section 18b, and a tip section 18c, which are arranged sequentially from the base end to the tip. By operating the angle knob 19a of the operating section 19, the bending section 18b bends. As a result, the tip section 18c faces the desired direction.

As shown in Figure 2, the operating unit 19 is equipped with an angle knob 19a, a standing operation lever 19b, a treatment instrument inlet 19c, an air/water supply button 19d, and a suction button 19e. The treatment instrument inlet 19c is the entrance for inserting the treatment instrument 13. The treatment instrument 13 inserted into the treatment instrument inlet 19c is guided to the standing base housing section 41 (see Figure 4) at its tip 18c.

By operating the standing operation lever 19b, the standing platform 33, described later, rotates. The rotation of the standing platform bends the direction of travel of the treatment instrument 13 guided into the standing platform housing 41, directing it toward the opening window 32C on the upper side of the standing platform housing 41, and allowing the treatment instrument 13 to be led out through the opening window 32C.

When the air/water supply button 19d is operated, air and water are supplied to the air/water supply tube (not shown), and air and water are ejected from the air/water supply nozzle 43 (see Figures 3 and 4) provided on the tip body 31. Furthermore, when the suction button 19e is operated, bodily fluids such as blood can be aspirated through the treatment tool channel 18d from the suction port, which also serves as the treatment tool outlet 18e (see Figure 4) provided on the tip body 31.

The tip portion 18c is provided with an imaging unit 45 (see Figures 6 and 7), which will be described later. The imaging unit 45 is equipped with an image sensor 47, a light source 48, and the like. The image sensor 47 is preferably a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The light source 48 is preferably composed of a light-emitting element such as an LD (Laser Diode) or an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

The processor unit 15 is electrically connected to the display 16 and the UI 17. The processor unit 15 performs image processing on the endoscopic image captured by the image sensor 47 and displays it on the display 16.

A treatment instrument channel 18d for inserting the treatment instrument 13 is provided inside the insertion section 18. One end of the treatment instrument channel 18d is connected to the tip body 31, and the other end is connected to the treatment instrument inlet 19c provided in the operating section 19.

The treatment instrument 13 is an endoscopic treatment instrument that is inserted into the subject together with the insertion section 18 through the treatment instrument channel 18d. For example, the treatment instrument 13 may be a biopsy forceps, snare, high-frequency treatment instrument, or ultrasonic treatment instrument, combined with the endoscope 12.

The treatment instrument 13 comprises a flexible sheath 21, an operating wire (not shown), a tip 22, and an operating section 23. The flexible sheath 21 is a tubular sheath formed from a flexible material, such as a soft resin, and is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 18d of the endoscope 12. The operating wire is integrally provided with the tip 22 and is inserted through the flexible sheath 21.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tip portion 18c has a tip body 31 and a cap 32, and is constructed by attaching the cap 32 to the tip body 31. However, the configuration of the tip portion 18c is not limited to this, and the tip body 31 and the cap 32 may be fixed together to prevent the user from removing them. The tip body 31 is provided on the tip side of the insertion portion 18 (see Figure 1), and a standing base 33 is provided on this tip body 31.

The endoscope 12 is a side-viewing endoscope used, for example, as a duodenoscope, and the tip portion 18c shown in Figures 3 and 4 has the configuration of a side-viewing endoscope. Figures 3 and 4 show the instrument channel 18d, the upright operation wire 34, the signal cable 35, and the electrical cable 36, which are arranged inside the insertion portion 18 of the endoscope 12. The instrument channel 18d guides the tip of the instrument 13 to the tip body 31. The upright operation wire 34 is an operation wire for rotating the upright base 33. Note that the air and water supply channels connected to the air and water supply nozzle 43 are omitted from the illustration to avoid complexity.

The cap 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its tip sealed, and has a circumferential surface portion 32A and an end surface portion 32B. A substantially rectangular opening window 32C is formed in a part of the circumferential surface portion 32A. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the opening window 32C is an opening cut out from the circumferential surface portion 32A to the end surface portion 32B. In the following description, the central axis direction of the tip body 31 and the cap 32 will be described as the X-axis direction, the vertical direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction will be described as the Z-axis direction, and the left-right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction will be described as the Y-axis direction.

When the cap 32 is attached to the tip body 31, the cap 32 covers the standing base housing 41 (described later), and the opening window 32C opens in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the treatment tool outlet 18e of the treatment tool channel 18d communicates with the opening window 32C via the standing base housing 41. The cap 32 is mounted coaxially with respect to the tip body 31.

The cap 32 is made of an elastic material, such as a rubber material like fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material like polysulfone or polycarbonate. The base end of the cap 32 is provided with a protruding engaging portion (not shown) that engages with a groove-shaped engaging portion (not shown) formed on the tip body 31. By engaging this engaging portion with the engaging portion, the cap 32 is detachably attached to the tip body 31.

As shown in Figure 5, the tip body 31 has a disc portion 37 and a pair of partition wall portions 38 and 39. The tip body 31 is made of, for example, a resin material. The pair of partition wall portions 38 and 39 protrude from the disc portion 37 in the direction of the X axis. These partition wall portions 38 and 39 are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the Y axis. In addition, the aforementioned standing base housing portion 41 for housing the standing base 33 is provided between the partition wall portions 38 and 39. This standing base housing portion 41 is open in the direction of the Z axis.

The standing platform housing 41 is in communication with the treatment tool outlet 18e of the treatment tool channel 18d. The standing platform 33 is rotatably mounted inside the standing platform housing 41. By operating the standing operation lever 19b, the standing operation wire 34 is pulled, and the standing platform 33 rotates. By rotating the standing platform 33, the direction of exit of the tip 22 of the treatment tool 13, which is led out to the treatment tool outlet 18e, can be changed.

The disc portion 37 is connected to the tip end of the curved portion 18b. The curved portion 18b is constructed by covering the outer circumference of a structure in which a plurality of curved pieces are rotatably connected with a cylindrical mesh, a rubber outer shell, etc. The disc portion 37 is fixed to the curved piece located at the very tip of the plurality of curved pieces constituting the curved portion 18b, for example, by screwing or bonding with adhesive.

The partition wall 38 is positioned adjacent to the standing platform housing 41 in the Y-axis direction. The partition wall 38 includes a lens cover 42, an air and water supply nozzle 43, a packing 44 (see Figure 6), and an imaging unit 45. In this embodiment, the endoscope 12 is made almost entirely from resin, rubber, or metal materials, except for the imaging unit 45, and is disposable. Furthermore, in the case of metal materials, it is even more preferable to form them by metal injection molding.

The imaging unit 45 consists of an image sensor 47, a light source 48, a signal cable 35, an electrical cable 36, and a case member 49. The image sensor 47 is electrically connected to the signal cable 35, and the light source 48 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 36. The case member 49 is formed in a substantially rectangular columnar shape. The image sensor 47 and the light source 48 are exposed from the upper end surface of the case member 49 and are positioned to face the lens cover 42 when the case member 49 is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 46, which will be described later. As a result, the lens cover 42 exposes at least a part of the imaging unit 45.

The signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36 protrude from the base end face of the case member 49 and are connected to the processor device 15, respectively, through the insertion part 18, the operation part 19, and a connector (not shown). The processor device 15 performs image processing on the imaging signal acquired by the image sensor 47 to display the observed image on the display 16. The electrical cable 36 transmits electricity from the processor device 15 to the light source 48. The light source 48 emits light upon receiving power and illuminates the object to be observed.

As shown in Figure 6, a lens cover 42 is positioned on the upper end surface 38A of the partition wall 38 in the Z-axis direction. Inside the partition wall 38, an imaging unit housing chamber 46 (holding section) is provided. The imaging unit housing chamber 46 is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape with its front end sealed. In a cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 46 is formed to match the outer shape of the case member 49. As a result, when the case member 49 is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 46, its position in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions is restricted.

As shown in Figure 7, the disc portion 37 has a first opening 37A. The first opening 37A is located on the base end side of the imaging unit housing chamber 46. The first opening 37A is cut out from the base end surface of the disc portion 37 and has a larger opening area than the imaging unit housing chamber 46, and communicates with the imaging unit housing chamber 46. This allows the case member 49 of the imaging unit 45 to be moved through the first opening 37A when housing the case member 49 of the imaging unit 45 in the imaging unit housing chamber 46 from the outside space, and when detaching the case member 49 from the imaging unit housing chamber 46 to the outside space.

A locking claw 46A (see Figure 8) is formed inside the imaging unit housing chamber 46 as a locking part. The locking claw 46A is positioned at a distance from the tip of the imaging unit housing chamber 46 that matches the length of the long side L1 (length in the X-axis direction) of the case member 49. By being locked by the locking claw 46A, the position of the case member 49 in the X-axis direction is restricted when it is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 46. As described above, the case member 49, whose position is restricted by the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 46 and the locking claw 46A, is detachably held in the imaging unit housing chamber 46. Note that the locking part for locking the imaging unit 45 is not limited to the locking claw 46A described above, but any part that restricts the movement of the imaging unit 45 is acceptable. For example, an opening may be formed in the imaging unit housing chamber 46, and the imaging unit 45 may be locked by a locking pin fitted into this opening.

When housing the case member 49 of the imaging unit 45 in the imaging unit housing chamber 46, for example, the case member 49 is pushed into the imaging unit housing chamber 46 through the first opening 37A from the front end surface of the case member 49. By pushing the case member 49 in, it is possible to move the case member 49 closer to the front end of the imaging unit housing chamber 46, overcoming the locking claw 46A. At this time, the locking claw 46A is elastically deformed by being pressed by the case member 49 and bends outward from the imaging unit housing chamber 46. Therefore, the locking claw 46A does not obstruct the movement of the case member 49. Once the case member 49 overcomes the locking claw 46A, the locking claw 46A returns to its original position due to its own elastic force and locks the base end surface 49A of the case member 49. As a result, the case member 49 is held in the imaging unit housing chamber 46.

A lens cover opening 46B is formed above the imaging unit housing chamber 46. The lens cover opening 46B is a rectangular opening cut out from the upper end surface 38A of the partition wall 38 in the Z-axis direction to the upper surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 46.

The lens cover 42 is made of transparent glass or resin material and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The lens cover 42 is fitted into the lens cover opening 46B and fixed to the partition wall 38 by bonding, for example, with an adhesive. Therefore, the imaging unit housing chamber 46 houses the case member 49 of the imaging unit 45 in a position facing the lens cover 42. The image sensor 47 provided in the imaging unit 45 can observe the upper field of view in the Z-axis direction through the opening window 32C via the lens cover 42.

Furthermore, a packing 44 is sandwiched between the lens cover 42 and the case member 49. The packing 44 is made of rubber or soft resin, is slightly smaller than the lens cover 42, and is a rectangular frame-shaped elastic member that fits the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 46. Therefore, when sandwiched between the lens cover 42 and the case member 49, the packing 44 is in close contact with the upper end surface of the case member 49 and the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 46. Thus, the imaging unit 45 is housed inside the partition wall 38 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space.

Alternatively, instead of the packing 44, a sealing material may be filled between the lens cover 42 and the case member 49. In this case, the sealing material is preferably made of transparent rubber or resin.

The aforementioned air and water supply nozzle 43 is provided on the tip body 31 facing the lens cover 42, thereby cleaning the lens cover 42 with air and water sprayed from the air and water supply nozzle 43. The air and water supply nozzle 43 is positioned across the boundary B (see Figure 7) between the lens cover 42 and the lens cover opening 46B. That is, the tip of the air and water supply nozzle 43 is located inside the lens cover 42. As a result, the air and water sprayed from the air and water supply nozzle 43 are not obstructed by boundary B, and the lens cover 42 can be cleaned efficiently.

Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the process of detaching the imaging unit 45 from the imaging unit housing chamber 46 after using the endoscope 12 will be described. As shown in Figure 8, a jig 50 is used in the process of detaching the imaging unit 45 from the imaging unit housing chamber 46.

As shown in Figure 9, the jig 50 is a rectangular cylindrical jig that matches the outer shape of the imaging unit 45, and a connecting piece 51 is provided on the tip surface 50A. The connecting piece 51 is formed in an L-shape that bends at approximately a right angle. On the other hand, a connecting opening 52 (see Figure 8) is formed on the base end surface 49A of the case member 49. The connecting opening 52 allows the connecting piece 51 to be inserted inside and hooked onto the periphery of the connecting piece 51. In addition, the jig 50 has through holes 50B for passing the signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36 through.

As shown in Figure 10(A), in the process of detaching the imaging unit 45 from the imaging unit housing chamber 46, first, the jig 50 is inserted through the first opening 37A located on the base end side of the tip body 31. At this time, the signal cable 35 and electrical cable 36 are passed through the through hole 50B so as not to be pinched between the jig 50 and the imaging unit 45. Since the jig 50 is formed to match the outer shape of the imaging unit 45, the tip surface 50A of the jig 50 can be brought close to the base end surface 49A of the case member 49 by overcoming the locking claw 46A. At this time, the locking claw 46A is elastically deformed by being pressed by the jig 50 and bends outward from the imaging unit housing chamber 46. This allows the locking claw 46A to move the jig 50 and the imaging unit 45.

By bringing the tip surface 50A of the jig 50 close to the base end surface 49A of the case member 49, the connecting piece 51 can be hooked onto the periphery of the connecting opening 52, as shown in Figures 10(B) and 11. Then, by pulling the jig 50, the imaging unit 45 can be pulled towards the base end in the X-axis direction and detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 46.

As described above, the imaging unit 45 is housed inside the tip body 31 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space and is held in a detachable manner. Therefore, after use of the endoscope 12, the imaging unit 45 can be easily removed and reused, and the other parts of the endoscope 12, excluding the imaging unit 45, can be discarded, making it disposable. Furthermore, since the reused imaging unit 45 is housed in the tip body 31 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space, infection by viruses and other pathogens can be prevented.

Furthermore, the tip section body 31 includes a lens cover 42, an imaging unit housing chamber 46 positioned opposite the lens cover 42, and a first opening 37A located at the base end of the imaging unit housing chamber 46. This allows the imaging unit 45 to be pulled towards the base end and detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 46. This eliminates the need to remove the lens cover 42 and makes it easier to remove the imaging unit 45, allowing for easy reuse of the imaging unit 45.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, a first opening 37A is provided at the base end of the imaging unit housing chamber 46, and the imaging unit 45 is pulled towards the base end to detach it from the imaging unit housing chamber 46. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and in the second embodiment described below, the imaging unit is detached from the lens cover side. The tip body 61 shown in Figure 12 comprises a lens cover 62, a packing 63, a retaining member 64, and an imaging unit 65. The tip 18c of the endoscope is formed by attaching the cap 32 to the tip body 61.

In addition, in the endoscope of this embodiment, similar to the endoscope 12 of the first embodiment described above, it is preferable that almost all parts other than the imaging unit 65 are formed from resin material, rubber material, or metal material, etc., and disposed of as disposable. The same is also preferable in the following embodiments. In addition, parts and components similar to the tip portion 18c of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

The tip body 61, like the tip body 31 of the first embodiment described above, has a disc portion 37 and a pair of partition wall portions 38 and 39. The tip body 61 is made of, for example, an elastic resin material. A standing base housing portion 41 for housing the standing base 33 is provided between the partition wall portion 38 and the partition wall portion 39.

Inside the partition wall 38, an imaging unit housing chamber 66 (holding section) is provided. The imaging unit housing chamber 66 is formed in a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape with its front end sealed. Above the imaging unit housing chamber 66, a lens cover opening 66B (second opening) is formed. The lens cover opening 66B is a rectangular opening cut out from the upper end surface 38A of the partition wall 38 in the Z-axis direction to the upper surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 66.

As shown in Figure 13, the imaging unit 65 consists of an image sensor 47, a light source 48, a signal cable 35, an electrical cable 36, and a case member 67. The case member 67 is formed in a roughly rectangular columnar shape. The case member 67 has a chamfered portion 67C that slopes from the upper end surface 67A to the base end surface 67B. However, it is not limited to this, and the chamfered portion 67C may slope from the upper end surface 67A to the tip surface of the case member 67. In addition, the case member 67 has a jig cutout portion 67D formed by cutting out a part of the chamfered portion 67C.

The image sensor 47 and light source 48 are exposed from the upper end surface 67A of the case member 67, and are positioned to face the lens cover 62 when the case member 67 is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 66. As a result, the lens cover 62 exposes at least a portion of the imaging unit 65.

The lens cover 62, like the lens cover 42 in the first embodiment described above, is made of a transparent glass or resin material and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. As will be described in detail later, the lens cover 62 is detachably held in place of the lens cover opening 66B. The imaging unit housing chamber 66 houses the case member 67 of the imaging unit 65 in a position facing the lens cover 62. The image sensor 47 provided in the imaging unit 65 can observe the upper field of view in the Z-axis direction through which the opening window 32C opens, via the lens cover 62 and the retaining member 64.

In a cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 66 is formed to match the outer shape of the case member 67. In this embodiment, when the case member 67 is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 66, its position in the Y-axis direction is restricted. The restriction of the position in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction relative to the imaging unit housing chamber 66 will be described later. A locking claw 66A (see Figures 14 and 15) is formed inside the imaging unit housing chamber 66. The locking claw 66A locks onto the base end surface of the case member 67. The imaging unit housing chamber 66 communicates with the first opening 37A, similar to the imaging unit housing chamber 46 in the first embodiment described above.

When housing the case member 67 of the imaging unit 65 in the imaging unit housing chamber 66, for example, similar to the first embodiment described above, the case member 67 is pushed into the imaging unit housing chamber 66 from its front end through the first opening 37A. The locking claw 66A is elastically deformed by being pressed against the case member 67 and bends outward from the imaging unit housing chamber 66. Therefore, the locking claw 66A does not obstruct the movement of the case member 67. When the case member 67 overcomes the locking claw 66A, the locking claw 66A returns to its original position due to its own elastic force and locks the base end surface 67B of the case member 67.

As described above, after housing the case member 67 in the imaging unit housing chamber 66, a packing 63 and a retaining member 64 are interposed between the lens cover 62 and the case member 67 to hold the case member 67 in place. The lens cover 62 is fixed to the lens cover opening 66B, for example, by adhesive bonding. The packing 63 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or soft resin and is a rectangular frame-shaped elastic body that fits the outer circumference of the lens cover 62. The packing 63 is sandwiched between the lens cover 62 and the lens cover opening 66B and is in close contact with the lens cover 62 and the lens cover opening 66B. Thus, the imaging unit 65 is housed inside the partition wall 38 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space.

The retaining member 64 is formed integrally with the packing 63. The retaining member 64 protrudes from the lower surface of the packing 63 and has an inclined surface 64A (see Figure 14) that contacts the chamfered portion 67C of the case member 67.

As shown in Figure 14, the retaining member 64 is sandwiched between the lens cover 62 and the case member 67 of the imaging unit 65. When the retaining member 64 is sandwiched between the lens cover 62 and the case member 67, the inclined surface 64A is in close contact with the chamfered portion 67C. As a result, the case member 67 is pressed against the lower and front end surfaces of the imaging unit housing chamber 66 by the elastic force of the retaining member 64. Therefore, when the lens cover 62 is held in the lens cover opening 66B, the position of the case member 67 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions is restricted. Note that when the chamfered portion 67C is on the front end side of the case member 67, the case member 67 is pressed against the lower and base end surfaces of the imaging unit housing chamber 66 by the elastic force of the retaining member 64. The position at which the retaining member 64 contacts the case member 67 due to its elastic force is not limited to these positions; it may also contact the corner 66D of the imaging unit housing chamber 66 located diagonally opposite the chamfered portion 67C.

As described above, by interposing a packing 63 and a retaining member 64 between the lens cover 62 and the case member 67, and detachably holding the lens cover 62 to the lens cover opening 66B, the imaging unit 65 is detachably held to the imaging unit housing chamber 66.

Alternatively, instead of the packing 63, a sealing material may be filled between the lens cover 62 and the case member 67. In this case, the sealing material is preferably made of transparent rubber or resin. Furthermore, the packing 63 and the retaining member 64 may be constructed separately.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, a structure for detachably holding the lens cover 62 to the lens cover opening 66B will be described. The lens cover opening 66B has a jig notch 66C formed near the tip in the X-axis direction. The jig notch 66C is formed to contact the lens cover 62 and wrap around to the lower surface of the lens cover 62. As a result, even if the lens cover 62 is fixed to the lens cover opening 66B by adhesive or the like, as shown in Figure 16, the tip of the lens cover 62 can be lifted by inserting a jig 68 with a thin, flat tip, such as a flathead screwdriver, into the jig notch 66C. In other words, the lens cover 62 can be removed from the lens cover opening 66B.

The process of removing the imaging unit 65 from the imaging unit housing chamber 46 after using the endoscope 12 will now be described. First, the lens cover 62 is removed from the lens cover opening 66B using a jig 68 or the like. Also, when removing the lens cover 62, or after removing the lens cover 62, the packing 63 and retaining member 64 are removed from the lens cover opening 66B and the imaging unit housing chamber 66, respectively. Since the packing 63 and retaining member 64 are made of a soft material, they can be easily removed.

By removing the lens cover 62 and the packing 63 and retaining member 64, the case member 67 of the imaging unit 65 is exposed through the lens cover opening 66B (as shown in Figure 15). This allows the imaging unit 65 to be detached from the imaging unit housing 66 by pulling the case member 67, which is held in the imaging unit housing chamber 66, towards the lens cover opening 66B.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a jig notch 67D is formed in the chamfered portion 67C of the case member 67, a jig can be inserted into the jig notch 67D to lift the base end of the case member 67. That is, the imaging unit 65 can be easily pulled out of the imaging unit housing chamber 66.

As described above, the imaging unit 65 is housed inside the tip body 61 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space and is held in a detachable manner. Therefore, after use of the endoscope 12, the imaging unit 65 can be easily removed and reused, and the other parts of the endoscope 12, excluding the imaging unit 65, can be discarded, making it disposable. Furthermore, since the reused imaging unit 65 is housed in the tip body 61 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space, infection by viruses and other pathogens can be prevented.

Furthermore, the structure for detachably holding the lens cover 62 in the lens cover opening 66B is not limited to that shown in the second embodiment above, and may also use a retaining member as shown in Figure 17. In this case, the lens cover opening 66B is continuous to the tip side of the partition wall 38. In addition, a pair of rail grooves 66E (rail sections) are formed at both the left and right ends in the Y-axis direction of the lens cover opening 66B. The rail grooves 66E are arranged along the X-axis direction. By fitting both side edges of the lens cover 62 into the rail grooves 66E, it is possible to make the lens cover 62 slidable along the X-axis direction from the tip side of the partition wall 38, and the position of the lens cover 62 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction can be restricted.

When both side edges of the lens cover 62 are fitted into the rail groove 66E, the lens cover 62 is positioned facing the imaging unit 65. The configuration for allowing the lens cover 62 to slide freely along the X-axis is not limited to the above; a configuration in which grooves extending in the X-axis direction are provided on both side edges of the lens cover 62, and protrusions (rail sections) that engage with the grooves are provided at both left and right ends of the lens cover opening 66B.

A screw hole 66F is formed near the tip of the lens cover opening 66B. After sliding the lens cover 62, with both side edges fitted into the rail groove 66E, to the base end of the lens cover opening 66B, a screw 69, which serves as a retaining member, is screwed into the screw hole 66F.

As shown in Figure 18, the screw 69, which is screwed into the screw hole 66F, is positioned to contact the tip of the lens cover 62. This allows the position of the lens cover 62 in the sliding direction, i.e., the X-axis direction. In this way, by screwing the screw 69 into the screw hole 66F, the lens cover 62 can be held in the lens cover opening 66B, and by removing the screw 69 from the screw hole 66F, the lens cover 62 can be detached from the lens cover opening 66B.

Furthermore, the placement of the screw 69 as a retaining member is not limited to a position that contacts the tip of the lens cover 62; the screw 69 can be placed on the track along which the lens cover 62 slides relative to the rail groove 66E. In the modified examples shown in Figures 19 and 20, a notch 66G is formed by cutting out a portion of the rail groove 66E, and a screw hole 66F is placed inside this notch 66G. A notch 62A is also formed in the lens cover 62, aligned with the notch 66G. As shown in Figure 20, after sliding the lens cover 62 to a position where the notch 62A and the notch 66G coincide, the screw 69 is screwed into the screw hole 66F. This allows the position of the lens cover 62 in the sliding direction, i.e., in the X-axis direction.

Furthermore, the retaining member in the modified version of the second embodiment described above is not limited to a screw 69, but can be any configuration that can restrict the position of the lens cover 62 in the sliding direction, such as a fitting pin that fits into a fitting recess formed in the lens cover opening 66B.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the imaging units 45 and 65 are shown as being detachable from the tip body 31 and 61, but the invention is not limited to these, and in the third embodiment described below, the imaging unit is detachable together with the tip body. Note that parts and components similar to those of the tip 18c in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

As shown in Figure 21, the tip body 71 is connected to the curved portion 18b via a fixing member 72 and a ring member 73. The fixing member 72 is connected to the tip side of the curved portion 18b, similar to the disc portion 37 in the first and second embodiments described above. The fixing member 72 is fixed to the curved piece located at the very tip among the plurality of curved pieces constituting the curved portion 18b, for example, by screwing or bonding with adhesive.

The fixing member 72 is formed in a substantially annular shape and has a male threaded portion 72A formed on its outer circumferential surface and a pair of slits 72B cut out in the X-axis direction from the tip surface to the base surface. The slits 72B engage with the engaging claws 74B, which will be described later.

The tip body 71 has a disc portion 74 and a pair of partition wall portions 38 and 39. The pair of partition wall portions 38 and 39 protrude from the disc portion 74 in the direction of the X axis. The tip body 71 is made of, for example, an elastic resin material. A standing base housing portion 41 for housing the standing base 33 is provided between the partition wall portions 38 and 39.

As shown in Figure 22, the disc portion 74 has an opening 74A (see Figures 21 and 22) and a pair of engaging claws 74B. The engaging claws 74B are positioned at both the left and right ends of the disc portion 74 in the Y-axis direction. The engaging claws 74B are inserted into the slit 72B and engage with the slit 72B by clamping it from both sides with elastic force.

As shown in Figure 23, a packing 75 is provided on the base end side of the disc portion 74. The packing 75 is made of rubber or soft resin and is formed in a circular shape with the same outer diameter as the disc portion 74. The packing 75 is sandwiched between the disc portion 74 and the fixing member 72 and is in close contact with the fixing member 72 and the disc portion 74. This allows for an airtight or liquid-tight state to be maintained between the tip body 71 and the fixing member 72. The packing 75 also has an opening 75A that communicates with the opening 74A of the disc portion 74, and a through hole 75B for inserting an operating wire, an air supply channel, a treatment tool channel, etc.

The ring member 73 is formed in an annular shape with a larger outer diameter than the fixing member 72 and has a female threaded portion 73A on its inner circumferential surface. After engaging the slit 72B and the engaging claw 74B to connect the tip body 71 and the fixing member 72, the female threaded portion 73A of the ring member 73 is screwed onto the male threaded portion 72A of the fixing member 72. With the male threaded portion 72A and the female threaded portion 73A screwed together, the ring member 73 comes into contact with the engaging claw 74B. This prevents the engaging claw 74B from moving and maintains the engagement between the slit 72B and the engaging claw 74B. In other words, the state in which the tip body 71 and the fixing member 72 are connected is maintained, and the state in which the packing 75 makes the inside of the tip body 71 airtight or liquid-tight is maintained.

As shown in Figure 24, the partition wall 38 comprises a lens cover 76, an air and water supply nozzle 43, a packing 77, and an imaging unit 78. Inside the partition wall 38, there is an imaging unit housing chamber 79 (holding section). The imaging unit housing chamber 79 is formed in a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape with its front end sealed.

The imaging unit 78 is configured to be detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 79 by being pulled toward its base end in the X-axis direction. The imaging unit 78 consists of an image sensor 47, a light source 48, a signal cable 35, an electrical cable 36, a case member 49, and a relay connector 80 (see Figure 25).

As shown in Figure 25, the case member 49 is formed in a substantially rectangular columnar shape. The image sensor 47 and light source 48 are exposed from the upper end surface 49B of the case member 49 and are positioned to face the lens cover 76 when the case member 49 is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 79. As a result, the lens cover 76 exposes at least a portion of the imaging unit 78.

The relay connector 80 is detachably provided on the case member 49. A fitting hole 49C is formed in the base end face 49A of the case member 49 for fitting with the relay connector 80. The signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36 are connected to the case member 49 via the relay connector 80. When the relay connector 80 and the fitting hole 49C of the case member 49 are fitted together, the image sensor 47 is electrically connected to the signal cable 35, and the light source 48 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 36. As a result, the imaging unit 78 can acquire an imaging signal from the image sensor 47 and illuminate the object of observation with illumination light from the light source 48.

When the relay connector 80 is connected to the case member 49, it is disposed together with the case member 49 inside the imaging unit housing chamber 79. It is preferable that the light source 48 provided in the imaging unit 78 is composed of a light-emitting element such as an LD (Laser Diode) or LED (Light Emitting Diode), similar to the first embodiment described above.

The inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 79 is formed to match the outer shape of the case member 49. As a result, when the case member 49 is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 79 , its position in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions is restricted. The imaging unit housing chamber 79 communicates with the opening 74A of the disc portion 74 and the opening 75A of the packing 75. As a result, when housing the case member 49 in the imaging unit housing chamber 79 from the outside space, and when removing the case member 49 from the imaging unit housing chamber 79 to the outside space, the case member 49 can be moved through the openings 74A and 75A.

A locking claw 79A is formed inside the imaging unit housing chamber 79 as a locking part. The locking claw 79A is positioned at a distance from the tip of the imaging unit housing chamber 79 that matches the length of the long side L1 (length in the X-axis direction) of the case member 49. By being locked by the locking claw 79A, the position of the case member 49 in the X-axis direction is restricted when it is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 79. As described above, the case member 49, whose position is restricted by the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 79 and the locking claw 79A, is detachably held in the imaging unit housing chamber 79. Note that the locking part for locking the imaging unit 78 is not limited to the locking claw 79A described above, but any part that restricts the movement of the imaging unit 78 is acceptable. For example, an opening may be formed in the imaging unit housing chamber 79, and the imaging unit 78 may be locked by a locking pin fitted into this opening.

A lens cover opening 79B is formed above the imaging unit housing chamber 79. The lens cover opening 79B is a rectangular opening cut out from the upper end surface 38A of the partition wall 38 in the Z-axis direction to the upper surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 79.

The lens cover 76 is made of transparent glass or resin material and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The lens cover 76 is fitted into the lens cover opening 79B and fixed to the partition wall 38 by bonding, for example, with an adhesive. Therefore, the imaging unit housing chamber 79 houses the case member 49 of the imaging unit 78 in a position facing the lens cover 76. The image sensor 47 provided in the imaging unit 78 can observe the upper field of view in the Z-axis direction through the opening window 32C via the lens cover 76.

Furthermore, a packing 77 is sandwiched between the lens cover 76 and the case member 49. The packing 77 is made of rubber or soft resin, is slightly smaller than the lens cover 76, and is a rectangular frame-shaped elastic member that fits the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 79. Therefore, when sandwiched between the lens cover 76 and the case member 49, the packing 77 is in close contact with the upper end surface of the case member 49 and the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 46. With the packing 75 and packing 77, the imaging unit 78 is housed inside the partition wall 38 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space.

Alternatively, instead of the packing 77, a sealing material may be filled between the lens cover 76 and the case member 49. In this case, the sealing material is preferably made of transparent rubber or resin.

The tip body 71 has a locking release hole 81 for releasing the locking of the case member 49 by the locking claw 79A. Specifically, the locking release hole 81 is located above the imaging unit housing chamber 79 in the Z-axis direction and at the base end of the imaging unit housing chamber 79 in the X-axis direction. This locking release hole 81 is located, for example, on the outer circumferential surface of the disc portion 74 on which the ring member 73 is mounted (see Figures 22 and 23), and communicates with the imaging unit housing chamber 79. When releasing the locking of the case member 49 by the locking claw 79A, the ring member 73 is removed first. As a result, the imaging unit housing chamber 79 can maintain an airtight or liquid-tight state when the ring member 73 is mounted, and the airtight or liquid-tight state is released when the ring member 73 is removed.

As shown in Figure 27, a pressed piece 79C is integrally formed on the locking claw 79A. The pressed piece 79C is positioned with a step relative to the locking claw 79A. Preferably, at least a portion of the pressed piece 79C is located at the end of the direction through which the locking release hole 81 passes. This allows the elongated cylindrical jig 82 (see Figures 26 and 27), inserted into the tip body 71 through the locking release hole 81, to easily press the pressed piece 79C. In other words, the locking claw 79A, which is integrated with the pressed piece 79C, can be displaced. Furthermore, the locking release hole 81 and the pressed piece 79C are positioned offset from the imaging unit 78 in the Y-axis direction.

The following describes the steps for detaching the tip body 71 from the fixing member 72 and detaching the imaging unit 78 from the imaging unit housing chamber 79 after use of the endoscope 12. First, in the step of detaching the tip body 71 from the fixing member 72, the screw connection between the male screw portion 72A of the fixing member 72 and the female screw portion 73A of the ring member 73 is released. The ring member 73, from which the screw connection has been released, is then removed from the tip body 71 and the fixing member 72.

Furthermore, before releasing the engagement between the engaging claw 74B and the slit 72B, the relay connector 80 is detached from the case member 49 of the imaging unit 78. That is, the connection between the signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36 and the case member 49 is released. The signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36 are connected to a connector (not shown) through the insertion section 18 and the operation section 19, but if the relay connector 80 were not present, these would have to be removed from the signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36. However, in this embodiment, since the relay connector 80 is provided, the insertion section 18, the operation section 19, and the connector (not shown) do not interfere with each other when releasing the engagement between the engaging claw 74B and the slit 72B.

By removing the ring member 73 from the tip body 71 and the fixing member 72, the engaging claw 74B is exposed. Then, by opening the engaging claw 74B and releasing its engagement with the slit 72B, the connection between the fixing member 72 and the tip body 71 is released, and the tip body 71 can be detached from the fixing member 72. After detaching the tip body 71 from the fixing member 72, the imaging unit 78 is detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 79.

As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the jig 82 is inserted into the interior of the tip body 71 through the locking release hole 81 and the pressed piece 79C is pressed. At this time, the locking claw 79A, which is pressed together with the pressed piece 79C, elastically deforms and bends outward from the imaging unit housing chamber 79 (position shown by the dashed line). As a result, the locking claw 79A allows the case member 49 to move. This allows the imaging unit 78 to be pulled towards the base end in the X-axis direction and detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 79. Furthermore, since the locking release hole 81 and the pressed piece 79C are positioned offset from the imaging unit 78 in the Y-axis direction, the jig 82 that presses the pressed piece 79C does not obstruct the movement of the imaging unit 78.

As described above, the imaging unit 78 is housed inside the tip body 71 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space, and the tip body 71 is detachably held by the fixing member 72. Therefore, after use of the endoscope 12, the imaging unit 78 can be easily removed and reused, and the other parts of the endoscope 12, excluding the imaging unit 78, can be discarded, making it disposable. Furthermore, since the reused imaging unit 78 is housed in the tip body 71 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space, infection by viruses and other pathogens can be prevented.

Furthermore, since the imaging unit 78 is integrated with the imaging unit housing chamber 79 and detaches from the fixing member 72, the imaging unit 78 can be easily removed from the curved portion 18b. Moreover, since the tip body 71 is provided with a locking release hole 81, the imaging unit 78 can be easily detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 79.

In the third embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the locking to the imaging unit 78 is released by pressing the locking claw 79A with the jig 82. However, the invention is not limited to this, for example, the locking claw 79A may be damaged by pressing it with the jig 82, and at least a part of the locking claw 79A may be removed. This will release the locking to the imaging unit 78, similar to the third embodiment. Also, in the third embodiment described above, the tip body 71 is configured to detachably engage with the fixing member 72 fixed to the curved portion 18b. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the tip body 71 may be configured to detachably engage with the curved portion 18b. In this case, it is preferable that the tip body 71 engages with the outermost curved piece constituting the curved portion 18b.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment described above, the imaging unit 78 is detached together with the tip body 71, but the invention is not limited to this, and in the fourth embodiment described below, the imaging unit is detached together with a part of the tip body. Note that parts and components similar to those of the tip 18c in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

As shown in Figure 28, the tip body 90 has a disc portion 91, a partition portion 92, and a partition portion 39. The pair of partition portions 92 and 39 protrude from the disc portion 91 in the direction of the X axis. The disc portion 91 is connected to the tip side of the curved portion 18b, similar to the disc portion 37 in the first and second embodiments described above. The disc portion 91 is fixed to the curved piece located at the very tip among the plurality of curved pieces constituting the curved portion 18b, for example, by screwing or bonding with adhesive.

The partition wall portion 92 is the same as the partition wall portion 38 in the first and second embodiments described above, except that it is configured to be detachable from the disc portion 91 , and the partition wall portion 92 and the partition wall portion 39 are arranged opposite each other in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the aforementioned standing base housing portion 41 for housing the standing base 33 is provided between the partition wall portion 92 and the partition wall portion 39.

The disc portion 91 has an opening 91A and a pair of slits 91B cut out in the X-axis direction from the tip surface to the base surface. The opening 91A allows the signal cable 35 and the electrical cable 36 to pass through. The slits 91B engage with the engaging claws 92B, which will be described later.

As shown in Figure 29, the partition wall 92 comprises a lens cover 93, a packing 94 (see Figure 27), and an imaging unit 78. Inside the partition wall 92, an imaging unit housing chamber 96 (holding section) is provided. The imaging unit housing chamber 96 is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape with its front end sealed.

The partition wall portion 92 has an opening 92A (see Figures 26 and 27) and a pair of engaging claws 92B. The engaging claws 92B are positioned at both the left and right ends of the partition wall portion 92 in the Y-axis direction. The engaging claws 92B are inserted into the slit 91B and engage with the slit 91B by elastic force, gripping it from both sides.

A packing 97 is provided at the base end of the partition wall portion 92. The packing 97 is made of rubber or soft resin and is formed in a rectangular shape with the same outer shape as the base end surface of the partition wall portion 92. The packing 97 is sandwiched between the disc portion 91 and the partition wall portion 92 and is in close contact with the disc portion 91 and the partition wall portion 92. This makes the inside of the tip body 90 airtight or liquid-tight. The packing 97 also has an opening 97A that communicates with the opening 92A of the partition wall portion 92.

The inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 96 is formed to match the outer shape of the case member 49. This restricts the position of the case member 49 in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions when it is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 96. The imaging unit housing chamber 96 communicates with the opening 92A and the opening 97A of the packing 97. This allows the case member 49 to be moved through the openings 92A and 97A when housing the case member 49 in the imaging unit housing chamber 96 from the external space, and when removing the case member 49 from the imaging unit housing chamber 96 to the external space.

A locking claw 96A is formed inside the imaging unit housing chamber 96. The locking claw 96A is positioned at a distance from the tip of the imaging unit housing chamber 96 that matches the length of the long side L1 (length in the X-axis direction) of the case member 49. By being locked by the locking claw 96A, the position of the case member 49 in the X-axis direction is restricted when it is housed in the imaging unit housing chamber 96. As described above, the case member 49, whose position is restricted by the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 96 and the locking claw 96A, is detachably held in the imaging unit housing chamber 79.

A lens cover opening 96B is formed above the imaging unit housing chamber 96. The lens cover opening 96B is a rectangular opening cut out from the upper end surface 92C of the partition wall 92 in the Z-axis direction to the upper surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 96.

The lens cover 93 is made of transparent glass or resin material and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The lens cover 93 is fitted into the lens cover opening 96B and fixed to the partition wall 92 by bonding, for example, with an adhesive. As a result, the imaging unit housing chamber 96 houses the case member 49 of the imaging unit 78 in a position facing the lens cover 93. This causes the lens cover 93 to expose at least a part of the imaging unit 78. The image sensor 47 provided in the imaging unit 78 can observe the upper field of view in the Z-axis direction through the opening window 32C via the lens cover 93.

A packing 94 is sandwiched between the lens cover 93 and the case member 49. The packing 94 is made of rubber or soft resin, is slightly smaller than the lens cover 93, and is a rectangular frame-shaped elastic member that fits the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 96. Therefore, when sandwiched between the lens cover 93 and the case member 49, the packing 94 is in close contact with the upper end surface 49B of the case member 49 and the inner circumferential surface of the imaging unit housing chamber 96. With packing 94 and packing 97, the imaging unit 78 is housed inside the partition wall 92 in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space.

Alternatively, instead of the packing 97, a sealing material may be filled between the lens cover 93 and the case member 49. In this case, the sealing material is preferably made of transparent rubber or resin.

The partition wall portion 92 has a locking release hole 101 for releasing the locking of the case member 49 by the locking claw 96A. Specifically, the locking release hole 101 is located on the upper end surface 92C of the partition wall portion 92, at the base end side of the imaging unit housing chamber 96 in the X-axis direction.

A pressed piece 96C (see Figure 30) is integrally formed on the locking claw 96A. The pressed piece 96C has the same configuration as the pressed piece 79C in the third embodiment described above, and is positioned with a step relative to the locking claw 96A. It is preferable that at least a part of the pressed piece 96C is located at the end of the direction through which the locking release hole 101 passes. This allows the elongated cylindrical jig 102 (see Figure 30), inserted into the partition wall 92 through the locking release hole 101, to easily press the pressed piece 96C. In other words, the locking claw 96A, which is integrated with the pressed piece 96C, can be displaced. Furthermore, the locking release hole 101 and the pressed piece 96C are positioned offset from the imaging unit 78 in the Y-axis direction.

The following describes the steps for detaching the partition wall portion 92 from the disc portion 91 and detaching the imaging unit 78 from the imaging unit housing chamber 96 after using the endoscope 12. First, before releasing the engagement between the engaging claw 92B and the slit 91B, the relay connector 80 is detached from the case member 49 of the imaging unit 78, similar to the third embodiment described above. This prevents interference between the insertion portion 18, the operating portion 19, and connectors (not shown) when releasing the engagement between the engaging claw 92B and the slit 91B.

After detaching the relay connector 80 from the case member 49, for example, using a jig with a thin tip, the engaging claw 92B is pressed from the base end side of the slit 91B. Then, by opening the engaging claw 92B and releasing the engagement with the slit 91B, the coupling between the disc portion 91 and the partition portion 92 is released, and the partition portion 92 can be detached from the disc portion 91. After detaching the partition portion 92 from the disc portion 91, the imaging unit 78 is removed from the imaging unit housing chamber 96.

As shown in Figure 30, the jig 102 is inserted into the partition wall 92 through the locking release hole 101 and the pressed piece 96C is pressed. At this time, the locking claw 96A, which is pressed together with the pressed piece 96C, elastically deforms and bends outward from the imaging unit housing chamber 96 (position shown by the dashed line). As a result, the locking claw 96A allows the case member 49 to move. This allows the imaging unit 78 to be pulled towards the base end in the X-axis direction and detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 96. Furthermore, since the locking release hole 101 and the pressed piece 96C are positioned offset from the imaging unit 78 in the Y-axis direction, the jig 102 that presses the pressed piece 96C does not obstruct the movement of the imaging unit 78.

As described above, the imaging unit 78 is housed inside the partition wall 92, which is part of the tip body 90, in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space, and the partition wall 92 is detachably held relative to the disc 91. Therefore, after use of the endoscope 12, the imaging unit 78 can be easily removed and reused, and the other parts of the endoscope 12, excluding the imaging unit 78, can be discarded, making it disposable. Furthermore, since the reused imaging unit 78 is housed in an airtight or liquid-tight state relative to the external space, infection by viruses and other pathogens can be prevented.

Furthermore, since the imaging unit 78 is integrated with the imaging unit housing chamber 96 and detaches from the fixing member 72, the imaging unit 78 can be easily removed from the curved portion 18b. Moreover, since the partition wall portion 92, which is part of the tip body 90, is provided with a locking release hole 101, the imaging unit 78 can be easily detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 96.

In the fourth embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the locking of the imaging unit 78 is released by pressing the locking claw 96A with the jig 102. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the locking claw 96A may be damaged by pressing it with the jig 102, thereby removing at least a portion of the locking claw 96A. This releases the locking of the imaging unit 78, similar to the fourth embodiment. In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the locking of the imaging unit 78 by the locking claws 79A and 96A is released by pressing with jigs 82 and 102 inserted through the locking release holes 81 and 101. However, similar to the first embodiment described above, the locking of the imaging unit 78 by the locking claws 79A and 96A may be released using a jig 50 that pulls the imaging unit 78, allowing it to detach from the imaging unit housing chambers 79 and 96. In this case, it is preferable to provide a connecting opening 52 in the imaging unit 78, similar to the imaging unit 45 in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the imaging unit 78 is configured to be able to be pulled toward the base end in the X-axis direction and detached from the imaging unit housing chambers 79 and 96. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and, similar to the second embodiment, the lens covers 76 and 93 may be made detachable from the lens cover openings 79B and 96B, allowing the imaging unit 78 to be detached from the imaging unit housing chamber 79 by passing through the lens cover opening 79B. Also, as a configuration for making the lens covers 76 and 93 detachable from the lens cover openings 79B and 96B, it is preferable to provide a jig notch 66C in the lens cover openings 79B and 96B, similar to the second embodiment, or to make the lens covers 76 and 93 slidable relative to the lens cover openings 79B and 96B, with the position of the lens covers 76 and 93 restricted by a retaining member.

Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments describe a configuration in which the signal cable and electrical cable are connected to the imaging units 45 and 65 and then detached from the tip body, the present invention is not limited to this. As in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the imaging units 45 and 65 may be equipped with relay connectors, and when detached from the tip body, the connection to the signal cable and electrical cable may be released.

In each of the above embodiments, the imaging unit is equipped with an electrical cable 36 and a light source 48. However, the imaging unit is not limited to these configurations, and the electrical cable 36 and light source 48 may be omitted from the imaging unit of each of the above embodiments (the electrical configuration may consist only of a signal cable 35 and an image sensor 47).

Furthermore, the imaging unit is not limited to the above configuration; a light guide may be provided instead of the electrical cable 36, and an illumination optical system may be provided on the case members 49 and 67 instead of the light source 48. In addition, in this modified case, as shown in Figure 31, it is preferable that the endoscope system 10 includes a light source device 14 in addition to the configuration of each of the above embodiments. The light source device 14 emits illumination light to irradiate the object to be observed. The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the light source device 14 and electrically connected to the processor device 15.

Furthermore, in this modified configuration, it is preferable that the imaging unit does not have a relay connector 80, and that the image sensor 47 and the signal cable 35 are electrically connected, while the illumination optical system and the light guide are optically connected. The signal cable 35 and the light guide protrude from the base end faces of the case members 49 and 67 and are connected to the processor device 15 and the light source device 14, respectively, through the insertion part 18, the operation part 19, and a connector (not shown). The processor device 15 performs image processing on the imaging signal acquired by the image sensor 47 to display the observed image on the display 16. The light guide is made of an optical fiber cable or the like, and transmits the illumination light emitted by the light source device 14, illuminating the object of observation with the illumination light via the illumination optical system.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the imaging unit is equipped with an illumination optical system or light source, but it is not necessary to provide an illumination optical system or light source. In this case, the illumination optical system or light source may be provided as a separate component from the imaging unit, at the tip of the endoscope.

Furthermore, while the present invention is applied to a side-viewing endoscope in the above embodiments, it is not limited to this and may also be applied to a straight-viewing endoscope.

10 Endoscope system 12 Endoscope 13 Treatment instrument 14 Light source device 15 Processor device 16 Display 17 UI (User Interface)
18 Insertion section 18a Flexible section 18b Curved section 18c Tip section 18d Treatment tool channel 18e Treatment tool outlet 19 Operation section 19a Angle knob 19b Standing operation lever 19c Treatment tool inlet 19d Air/water supply button 19e Suction button 21 Flexible sheath 22 Tip section 23 Operation section 31 Tip section body 32 Cap 32A Circumferential surface section 32B End surface section 32C Opening window 33 Standing base 34 Standing operation wire 35 Signal cable 36 Light guide 37 Disc section 37A First opening 38 Partition section 38A Upper end surface 39 Partition section 41 Standing base housing section 42 Lens cover 43 Air/water supply nozzle 44 Packing 45 Imaging unit 46 Imaging unit housing chamber 46A Locking claw 46B Lens cover opening 47 Image sensor 48 Illumination optical system 49 Case member 49A Base end face 49B Upper end face 49C Fitting hole 50 Jig 50A Tip face 50B Through hole 51 Connecting piece 52 Connecting opening 61 Tip body 62 Lens cover 62A Notch 63 Packing 64 Retaining member 64A Inclined surface 65 Imaging unit 66 Imaging unit housing chamber 66A Locking claw 66B Lens cover opening 66C Notch 66D Corner 66E Rail groove 66F Screw hole 66G Notch 67 Case member 67A Upper end face 67B Base end face 67C Chamfered part 67D Notch 68 Jig 69 Screw 71 Tip body 72 Fixing member 72A Male screw part 72B Slit 73 Ring member 73A Female screw part 74 Disc part 74A Opening 74B Engaging claw 75 Packing 75A Opening 75B Through hole 76 Lens cover 77 Packing 78 Imaging unit 79 Imaging unit housing chamber 79A Locking claw 79B Lens cover opening 79C Pressed piece 80 Relay connector 81 Locking release hole 82 Jig 90 Tip body 91 Disc part 91A Opening 91B Slit 92 Partition part 92A Opening 92B Engaging claw 92C Upper end surface 93 Lens cover 94 Packing 96 Imaging unit housing chamber 96A Locking claw 96B Lens cover opening 96C Pressed piece 97 Packing 97A Opening 101 Locking release hole 102 Jig B Boundary L1 Long side

Claims (16)

An insertion part to be inserted into the subject,
The tip body is located at the tip of the insertion part,
The tip body is equipped with an imaging unit that is housed inside in an airtight or liquid-tight state with respect to the external space and is detachably held therein.
The imaging unit has an image sensor that observes a field of view in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion portion.
The aforementioned tip body is
A holding part for holding the imaging unit,
The first opening located on the base end side of the retaining portion, or
Having one of the second openings formed above the holding portion,
The imaging unit is an endoscope that is detached from the holding portion by passing through either the first or second opening . The aforementioned tip body is
Lens cover and
The holding portion and,
The first opening is provided,
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein when the imaging unit held in the holding portion is pulled toward the base end of the tip portion body, the imaging unit passes through the first opening and detaches from the holding portion. The holding portion has a locking portion for locking the imaging unit,
The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the imaging unit is permitted to move toward the proximal end by releasing the lock. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion is a locking claw that locks onto the base end surface of the imaging unit. The aforementioned tip body is
A lens cover that exposes at least a portion of the imaging unit,
The second opening that detachably holds the lens cover,
The holding portion is provided,
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein when the lens cover held in the second opening is removed and the imaging unit held in the holding part is pulled toward the second opening, the imaging unit passes through the second opening and detaches from the holding part. The tip body is equipped with a rail portion that slides freely into place with the side edge of the lens cover.
The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein when the side edge is fitted to the rail portion, the lens cover is positioned to face the imaging unit. The aforementioned tip body is
A retaining member is provided on the track on which the lens cover slides relative to the rail portion, and which is detachably connected to the tip body.
The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the retaining member restricts the lens cover from detaching in the sliding direction. An insertion part to be inserted into the subject,
The tip body is located at the tip of the insertion part,
The tip body is equipped with an imaging unit that is housed inside in an airtight or liquid-tight state with respect to the external space and is detachably held therein.
The imaging unit has an image sensor that observes a field of view in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion portion.
The insertion portion is composed of a tip portion including the tip body, a curved portion connected to the tip portion, and a flexible portion connected to the curved portion.
The aforementioned tip body is
A lens cover that exposes at least a portion of the imaging unit,
A holding part for holding the imaging unit,
The curved portion, or the engaging portion which detachably engages with the fixing member fixed to the curved portion,
An endoscope in which, when the engagement between the engagement portion and the bending portion or the fixing member is released, the imaging unit becomes integrated with the holding portion and detaches from the bending portion or the fixing member. The endoscope according to claim 8, further comprising a packing member that maintains airtightness or liquid tightness between the holding portion and the bending portion or the fixing member. The imaging unit has a chamfered portion that slopes from the upper end surface facing the lens cover to the base end surface, or from the upper end surface to the tip surface,
The aforementioned tip body is
The lens cover is provided with an elastic body disposed between it and the imaging unit.
The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the imaging unit is pressed by the elastic force of the elastic body and contacts the tip surface or base surface of the holding portion, or the corner of the holding portion located diagonally opposite to the chamfered portion. A relay connector connected to the imaging unit,
The cable is connected to the imaging unit via the relay connector,
The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the relay connector is disposed inside the tip body. The lens cover is fixed to the main body of the tip section.
The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the tip body has a notch for inserting a tool for releasing the lens cover at a position in contact with the lens cover. The holding portion has a locking portion for locking the imaging unit,
The tip body has a locking release hole that communicates with the holding portion,
The endoscope according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the lock is released or at least a part of the locking portion is removed by inserting a jig through the locking release hole and pressing the locking portion. The endoscope according to claim 13, wherein the locking portion is a locking claw that locks onto the base end surface of the imaging unit. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the imaging unit comprises a light source that irradiates illumination light onto the subject. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least a portion of the imaging unit is disposable.